In a bold escalation of its water diplomacy strategy, India has drastically curtailed water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is now preparing to limit outflows from the Kishanganga Project on the Jhelum.
According to officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), India commenced de-silting operations at the Baglihar reservoir and lowered sluice gates, reducing water release downstream to Pakistan by nearly 90%. Similar steps are expected soon at Kishanganga.
“We closed the gates of the Baglihar hydel project and initiated de-silting on Saturday. The reservoir needs to be refilled,” confirmed an NHPC official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
This aggressive water management move follows recent hydrological assessments and aligns with India’s declared stance of not letting “a single drop” of Indus water flow to Pakistan without strategic consideration.
The development came just hours after Pakistan tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile and India imposed a ban on Pakistani-flagged ships from docking at its ports, highlighting rising bilateral tensions.
India’s latest steps are being seen as a strategic recalibration of the Indus Waters Treaty, signaling its intent to use river resources as leverage amid ongoing geopolitical friction.
